When Ye Jiao saw Hua Ning, the little princess was flying paper kites.
It was autumn with clear, crisp air. Though there had been heavy wind and rain before that made the weather much colder, after the wind and rain, the weather beca exceptionally refreshing. With gentle breezes and high, pale clouds, it was perfect weather for playing.
Hua Ning wore light, practical clothes. Though not the luxurious dress she'd worn yesterday, it still looked neat and exquisite.
She was laughing as she tugged the string, able to laugh whether the kite flew high or low, her voice clear and crisp.
Seeing Ye Jiao approach, Hua Ning handed the spool to a maid beside her and walked toward Ye Jiao: "Jiao Niang, you've co. Was the journey tiring?" As she spoke, she led her to the hall behind.
Ye Jiao entered with Little Su, rembering Qi Yun's instructions not to reveal identities. As they walked, she said: "It's no trouble. I ca with my husband, and he took care of on the road."
Hua Ning didn't know her brother had invited Qi Yun to the residence for discussion. She thought he was just worried about Ye Jiao and personally escorted her, coming and going by carriage. She couldn't help linking arms with her and laughing: "Your husband really dotes on you. I heard from Hui Niang that he even paints your eyebrows?"
"Yes, I can't do it well myself." Ye Jiao said this very honestly.
She had only recently beco human, and many things had to be learned bit by bit, done piece by piece. Little Ginseng simply couldn't do everything perfectly.
Moreover, human hands were indeed extrely intricate and not easy to control.
Ordinary tasks were fine, but when it ca to delicate work like writing or painting eyebrows, Little Ginseng really had no way to manage it.
Even now, Ye Jiao's handwriting was still round and lumpy, and her eyebrow painting was always asymtrical.
Fortunately, Qi Yun was there. He had gradually practiced drawing beautiful distant mountain eyebrows and had gained considerable experience, able to make improvents based on the makeup Ye Jiao chose each day.
If previously Second Young Master Qi had considered eyebrow painting a chore, now he found joy in it.
Each ti he painted eyebrows, he could take the opportunity to stare at his wife longer. If Ye Jiao was happy, she might even lean over for a kiss. Wasn't this a wonderful thing?
However, hearing this in Hua Ning's ears, she imagined an entire scenario of intimate bedroom pleasures.
Husband and wife painting eyebrows - this was sothing Hua Ning had never heard of or seen before. Even though her mother consort held favor throughout the harem, her imperial father had never painted eyebrows for her.
She couldn't help thinking that if her future husband could paint eyebrows for her, that would be wonderful.
Hua Ning's cheeks reddened, but her smile remained bright as she said to Ye Jiao: "Yesterday when I visited your ho, I saw a double-eared copper pot for pitch-pot gas in your hall. I thought you might like it, so I prepared one today too."
Ye Jiao had played pitch-pot with Liu Shi, though she wasn't particularly good at it.
But Little Ginseng's greatest virtue was being eager to learn. Everything could make her happy, so hearing Hua Ning's words, Ye Jiao imdiately agreed.
Soon soone set up the copper pot.
This pitch-pot ga was originally entertainnt for idle monts. When won in the inner quarters had boring days, they would gather together to play.
Because Hua Ning's mother consort ca from a military family, she had been skilled in riding and archery since childhood, with extrely accurate aim. She was unbeatable in the capital, and all the noble ladies combined couldn't match her.
But today, Hua Ning carefully watched Ye Jiao. When Ye Jiao missed, she also missed. When Ye Jiao hit, only then would she hit.
This was because Ye Jiao was Ye Ping Rong's sister, and Hua Ning had called her here to beco more familiar. If she kept winning, their relationship might beco distant before it grew close, so she was being considerate.
Little Ginseng was pure-hearted but also sharp-eyed. She could see that Hua Ning was letting her win, so she said: "Sister Hua Ning, gas should be played seriously. I'm not afraid of losing, and I feel happy when I see you hit your targets too."
Hearing this, Hua Ning relaxed and hit every single shot. She even had soone bring a copper coin, tied it with string and hung it over the pot opening. Hua Ning could throw arrows directly through the coin's hole, making Ye Jiao clap her hands in amazent.
This completely put Hua Ning at ease, and her face showed pride: "Speaking of pitch-pot, I've played since childhood. There's also riding and archery - my accuracy is excellent. No one can beat except him."
Ye Jiao had been out of confinent and was being carefully cared for by the whole family, making her quite lazy. After throwing less than 30 arrows, she was already sweating.
Taking a handkerchief to wipe her forehead, Ye Jiao asked curiously: "You're already so accurate. Who could still beat you?"
Hua Ning's smile beca even brighter than before: "It's your big brother! He might not play pitch-pot, but in archery, he's truly a master marksman who can hit a willow leaf at 100 paces. He's incredibly skilled."
Ye Jiao didn't detect the affection in Hua Ning's tone. She was just happy that others spoke well of Ye Ping Rong.
In Little Ginseng's heart, Elder Brother Ye was a good person who treated her well, so Ye Jiao was pleased when others praised him: "Big Brother's skills are naturally excellent. He once saved my husband's third brother. According to Third Brother, when he fell from a mountain slope, Big Brother leaped up and caught him directly."
Hua Ning's eyes lit up imdiately. She beca interested and pulled Ye Jiao to tell her more.
So one wanted to praise her beloved, while the other sincerely complinted her dear brother. The two could chat enthusiastically for nearly an hour, becoming increasingly animated in their conversation.
When ng Shi had soone bring pastries over, she saw Ye Jiao applying floral decorations to Hua Ning's forehead.
Usually these floral decorations were cut by oneself, and many shops sold them, but applying floral decorations was sothing only close people would do.
Hua Ning had a straightforward personality and rarely wore these delicate feminine ornants. But today, seeing Ye Jiao wearing a lovely orchid-shaped decoration, she found it increasingly beautiful and had soone find decorations, begging Ye Jiao to help apply them.
When ng Shi arrived, Ye Jiao had just finished applying it. Using fish bladder glue, the crimson decoration on her forehead made Hua Ning look left and right in the mirror with a smile: "So beautiful."
"Hua Ning is naturally beautiful like a celestial being, so naturally everything looks good on her." ng Shi had people arrange the pastries, her face showing a gentle smile.
Hearing this, both turned to look, then the three exchanged greetings. ng Shi specifically glanced at Ye Jiao.
Actually, after the assassination incident, she had urgently transferred many people over because she was worried about Qi Yun's safety. Ye Jiao had seen all of this at the ti. According to ng Shi's thinking, even if Ye Jiao couldn't see through their identities, she could guess they weren't ordinary people.
But Little Ginseng wasn't ordinary either. Things that others would fear, she didn't fear at all. She was quite comfortable now.
After sitting down, Ye Jiao reached out and picked up a pastry she didn't recognize, putting it in her mouth.
Soft, sticky, with a rich fragrance.
Ye Jiao couldn't help looking at ng Shi, who smiled and said: "This is coconut glutinous rice cake. I recently obtained so coconut flakes. Seeing they were fresh, I had them made into food."
Little Ginseng was generous with her praise: "Delicious. Hui Niang, have so." As she spoke, she also served one to ng Shi.
Seeing that she treated her no differently than before, ng Shi smiled inwardly and didn't refuse, eating the glutinous rice cake bit by bit.
Hua Ning, however, didn't like sweets. She was still fascinated by the floral decoration.
Just then, Ye Ping Rong walked over. He didn't enter but bowed respectfully outside the door: "Madam, Third Prince requests your presence." Then he looked at Ye Jiao, his voice softening: "Brother-in-law has finished talking with our master and is waiting by the carriage outside. Jiao Niang, you can go find him shortly."
Ye Jiao nodded in agreent. Though there were many pastries on the table, Ye Jiao didn't hesitate to put down her chopsticks.
Nothing in heaven or earth was more important than her husband.
After delivering the ssage, Ye Ping Rong prepared to leave. Normally, he wouldn't co to the rear courtyard.
However, when Ye Ping Rong's eyes looked toward Hua Ning, they suddenly stopped.
He had always been proper and never stared directly at ng Shi, keeping his head slightly lowered when dealing with other won as well.
For Commander Ye, won weren't as attractive as swords and knives. If he had that ti, he'd rather practice swordsmanship.
But the crimson decoration on Hua Ning's forehead made Ye Ping Rong unable to look away.
For a mont, Ye Ping Rong couldn't understand why those familiar features suddenly seed so vivid.
He didn't know if it was because the decoration was beautiful or because Hua Ning's smile was brilliant, but he actually froze there, forgetting even to speak.
Ye Jiao looked at them curiously, while ng Shi covered her lips with a handkerchief, smiling aningfully without saying a word.
Hua Ning reacted extrely quickly. She imdiately stood up and ran over, but instead of talking to him as usual, she directly blocked Ye Ping Rong's path, preventing the man who had co to his senses from sneaking away. She leaned her head toward ng Shi: "Hui Niang, I want to practice swords. May I have him accompany ?"
ng Shi put down her handkerchief and naturally wouldn't object, gently nodding: "Commander Ye, please watch over Hua Ning. Swords and weapons are dangerous - you must help her be very careful."
Hearing this, Ye Ping Rong agreed, then was dragged away by Hua Ning, his expression sowhat helpless but also carrying a hint of a smile.
Ye Jiao also prepared to stand and take her leave, wanting to find Qi Yun early, but just as she stood, ng Shi gently took her hand: "Jiao Niang, wait a mont."
Little Ginseng couldn't help looking at her, blinking: "Hui Niang, what is it?"
"I know you like sweet things. These were made specifically for you. Why don't I pack them for you to take ho?" As she spoke, ng Shi gestured, and a maid imdiately ca forward to put the dishes that had just been arranged back into food boxes.
But they didn't linger in the hall. Instead, they withdrew.
Once everyone had left, ng Shi took out sothing she had prepared early from her chest, wrapped in a handkerchief, and placed it in Ye Jiao's hands: "Jiao Niang, this is a gift for you."
It seed that every ti she t Hui Niang, she always wanted to give her sothing.
Ye Jiao didn't refuse and took it. Opening the handkerchief, she saw a golden hairpin inside.
ng Shi softened her voice, smiling: "This golden hairpin is my promise to you." eting Ye Jiao's clear eyes, ng Shi's voice beca even gentler: "You have shown kindness to my husband. I keep this in my heart. In the future, as long as the ng clan doesn't fall, if you hold this hairpin, no matter what you request, the ng family will help you."
Ye Jiao looked at the hairpin, then at her: "I saved Third Prince for my own sake and for my husband's sake. I never thought of having you repay for anything."
For Little Ginseng, having once been a spirit creature, she understood matters of cause and effect best.
Where there's a cause, there's an effect. Cyclical retribution cos from this.
She had saved Chu Chengyun only to protect herself and her family, without any thought of bestowing kindness, so now she didn't need ng Shi's repaynt.
But ng Shi smiled: "That you don't seek repaynt shows your pure goodness, Jiao Niang. But the kindness you've shown and my husband must be repaid before I can feel at peace."
ng Shi was thinking that her whole family had boarded Chu Chengyun's ship and couldn't easily get off. They would prosper together or fall together.
But Ye Jiao thought of the Stone Sprout Grass leaf she had given her, feeling this was also a form of cause and effect.
Now seeing that ng Shi looked much better, her originally thin body had beco more plump, presumably because it had been effective, she deserved this gratitude.
Little Ginseng wrapped up the golden hairpin and placed it in her chest, accepting it.
ng Shi smiled and had soone follow with the food box to escort Ye Jiao out.
After Ye Jiao got in the carriage with Little Su's help, ng Shi stood at the door watching the carriage disappear before turning back to Chu Chengyun's room.
As soon as she entered, she saw Chu Chengyun holding a black pill in his hand, turning it over and over.
"What is this?" ng Shi walked over and sat sideways on the bed, skillfully reaching out to massage Chu Chengyun's shoulders.
Chu Chengyun leaned into her embrace and smiled: "Second Young Master brought this, saying it's good for the body."
ng Shi looked up at Liu Rong, who nodded gently, indicating it had been tested and was non-toxic.
ng Shi trusted Qi Yun and Ye Jiao even more. Besides, ng Shi knew clearly that Second Young Master Qi had dicine shops under him, and she had personally seen those dicinal flowers in Ye Jiao's courtyard. It wasn't strange for his family to have nourishing pills.
Her hands massaged Chu Chengyun's shoulders, but she didn't rush to have him take the pill. Instead, she said slowly: "Did you explain everything clearly to Second Young Master Qi?"
"I explained it clearly." Chu Chengyun's face still showed a smile, and so pride: "I told him I was Prince Duan. I seed to have startled him. That person always has such a calm and composed deanor - it wasn't easy to see him surprised."
ng Shi's hands paused, her tone amused: "Really? He wasn't just pretending to humor you, was he?"
Chu Chengyun was completely confident: "No, he's always been honest. I can tell."
ng Shi didn't understand Qi Yun well, but she knew Jiao Niang. Thinking that soone who could have such a pure and charming wife must also be a person whose character could be seen through at a glance, she nodded along: "That's right, both husband and wife are extrely good people."
Liu Rong, standing to the side, hesitated for a mont but ultimately didn't ntion the incident of Second Young Mistress Qi feeding dirt to his prince.
After all, Commander Ye was such an upright person, so his family mbers must also be straightforward without any ulterior motives. What happened before... he must have seen wrong.
This gave Chu Chengyun confidence. He turned the pill over again and put it in his mouth.
After chewing and swallowing, Chu Chengyun smacked his lips to taste it: "Second Young Master's pill is quite unusual. It has a distinct red bean flavor, quite sweet, and seems to have a hint of osmanthus fragrance too."
ng Shi was sowhat surprised, while Liu Rong looked sympathetic.
Had the prince eaten so much dirt that his sense of taste was affected...
anwhile, in the carriage, Ye Jiao, who had made the red bean pill, was happily enjoying a plate of pastries that ng Shi had packed for her.
Taking a bite, she found it neither too sweet nor too bland, just perfect. She handed one to Qi Yun: "Husband, try so too."
Qi Yun opened his mouth to take a bite, tasting the rich milky fragrance, soft and smooth. Even without knowing the na, he could tell this was a pastry that ordinary families couldn't make.
He couldn't help thinking of what Chu Chengyun had just told him.
That person had been like pouring beans from a bamboo tube, revealing his identity completely. Though Qi Yun had guessed most of it correctly, he still put on a surprised expression to satisfy the Third Prince and let him feel proud.
But Qi Yun was also happy to humor him, because Chu Chengyun had considered many things for Qi Yun's sake.
Whether it was the rchant caravan, the Qi family, or Qi Yun himself, Chu Chengyun had thought of everything for him, even clearly telling Qi Yun how to distance himself in the future.
Being able to do all this was enough to make Qi Yun grateful to him.
However, Qi Yun wouldn't share these matters with Ye Jiao. His Jiao Niang was a big-hearted girl who might not take these things to heart even if he told her, but Qi Yun didn't want to worry her.
Jiao Niang had already given him far too much. He should shield her from wind and rain.
Moreover, Chu Chengyun's affairs involved conflicts between immortals, which had little real connection to his family. It would be more comfortable not knowing anything and just living their own lives.
Thinking of this, Qi Yun's face showed a smile again as he said softly: "Everything else is trivial. There's only one thing I need to tell Jiao Niang."
Ye Jiao's mouth was stuffed with half a pastry. Hearing this, she puffed her cheeks, and Qi Yun handed her water.
After swallowing, Ye Jiao asked: "What is it?"
Qi Yun put the water cup back and embraced her, saying: "Third Prince said that when Xu Bao grows up, he'll choose Xu Bao's courtesy na."
Ye Jiao looked up at him: "What's a courtesy na?"
Qi Yun had guessed Ye Jiao wouldn't know. Ordinary farming families didn't give their children courtesy nas. But his Xu Bao would definitely study in the future, or at worst go into business and inherit the family enterprise, so a courtesy na was definitely needed.
As for courtesy nas, one could choose one's own to express aspirations, or have elders choose one to interpret the given na or express good wishes.
After he explained clearly, Ye Jiao nodded: "Husband can make the decision."
Qi Yun lowered his head to kiss her forehead, thinking clearly in his heart.
Chu Chengyun was granting him a favor, though whether this favor could be realized was unknown to anyone.
If he succeeded, he would beco the supre ruler. In the hierarchy of heaven, earth, ruler, parents, and teachers, having one's courtesy na chosen by him would be a great honor.
If he failed, by the ti Xu Bao grew up, he would probably already be buried in the earth, and this matter would naturally not count.
Qi Yun didn't want to speculate about the future, nor could he. He just felt sowhat emotional.
His fat son - if he really received a bestowed courtesy na, who would have thought this little guy almost got called "Big Head"...
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